Village uses indigenous knowledge to flee landslide
ILOILO CITY -- Hundreds even thousands tons of mud and rocks crashed downhill burying twenty houses scattered in about 27 hectares in Igbaras, a mountain town 40 km. south of this city. It caused zero casualty because residents used "indigenous knowledge" to save themselves, declared Dr. Jerry Bionat, head of the PDRRMO of Iloilo Province.
"The barangay officials who also constitute the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, used their traditional knowledge" said Bionat. "Detecting signs of an impending landslide, they mobilized for compulsory evacuation the day before.
Bionat was referring to Igpigus, a mountain barangay 15 km. from the poblacion of Igbaras town,.
PDRRMO stands for Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. Bionat added Gov. Arthur Defensor ordered sending heavy equipment to clear the roads and deliver relief but prolonged rains, swollen rivers and creeks, and mud prevented that.
Affected residents sought shelter on the barangay evacuation center or in houses of relatives, more than 200 meters from the scene of disaster. They evacuated Friday evening (August 3); the slope moved dawn of the next day.
Bionat hailed village officials for their foresight that prevented injuries much less, loss of lives. Quoting from the latter's observations leading to the forced evacuation, the ground was soft from heavy and prolonged rains, cracks on the mountain side appeared, houses of light materials tilted, and underground sources of potable water turned dark from mud.
The evacuees managed to bring along their livestock and household belongings.
"The barangay officials who also constitute the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, used their traditional knowledge" said Bionat. "Detecting signs of an impending landslide, they mobilized for compulsory evacuation the day before.
Bionat was referring to Igpigus, a mountain barangay 15 km. from the poblacion of Igbaras town,.
PDRRMO stands for Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. Bionat added Gov. Arthur Defensor ordered sending heavy equipment to clear the roads and deliver relief but prolonged rains, swollen rivers and creeks, and mud prevented that.
Affected residents sought shelter on the barangay evacuation center or in houses of relatives, more than 200 meters from the scene of disaster. They evacuated Friday evening (August 3); the slope moved dawn of the next day.
Bionat hailed village officials for their foresight that prevented injuries much less, loss of lives. Quoting from the latter's observations leading to the forced evacuation, the ground was soft from heavy and prolonged rains, cracks on the mountain side appeared, houses of light materials tilted, and underground sources of potable water turned dark from mud.
The evacuees managed to bring along their livestock and household belongings.
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